Let's face it: When you’re about to embark on a six-plus-hour intercontinental flight and your body is buzzing with anxiety at the thought of potential delays, missed connections, and lost luggage, piecing together a stylish outfit is probably the least of your concerns. Factor in the near-impossible feat of sleeping upright on a plane and tolerating snoring seat mates, and it feels necessary to prioritize comfort on long-haul flights.
While matching sweatsuits are one (beloved) way to go, there are plenty of options in the way of loungewear these days. Pieces made of finely woven knits that feel as soft as a cloud, compression fabrics that prevent swelling, and buttery cashmere travel blankets that you can cocoon yourself in are among the ones we recommend for overnight or otherwise lengthy flights. Below, find 18 brands whose clothes and accessories will make deciding what to wear on a long flight as easy and comfortable as possible, broken down by categories:
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Performance wear and athleisure
Outdoor Voices
Travelers whose legs, ankles, and feet are prone to swelling on long flights swear by compression socks and leggings. The thinking is that the polyester-spandex material is snug enough to hold muscles in place and improve blood flow, but still stretchy enough to alleviate discomfort. Cult-favorite workout brand Outdoor Voices offers textured compression leggings that fit like a glove, as well as softer styles like the FreeForm legging. The label's CloudKnit hoodies and sweats are praised for their softness, too.
Lululemon
Lululemon is a perennial favorite for basic black leggings (and snag-one-when-you-can belt bags). But don't overlook the brand's tops: Pieces like this Modal Spacer Training half-zip lend a sporty look but are more comfortable than a compressive long-sleeve; one reviewer calls this the "softest, best-fitting pullover I have owned,” while another says its their favorite Lululemon sweater, among many. Wear it on the plane, on hikes, and after workout classes or outdoor runs.
Huckberry
Huckberry serves up menswear basics made for the active traveler, including soft yoga joggers and water-resistant workwear-inspired pants that will take you from the plane to a bike ride or beachside stretch session with ease. The brand's bestsellers section is full of pieces you can wear in the air and repeat on vacation, like the 72-Hour Merino T-shirt and The 365 Pant. You can find travel and outdoor gear from brands like Patagonia, Barbour, Marine Layer, and Saturdays NYC on Huckberry's site, too.
Vuori
You may have heard the Vuori pitch before (the brand is an active podcast sponsor for many popular shows like Smartless and Crime Junkie): It offers premium performance apparel inspired by the active coastal California lifestyle, and wants to offer a new perspective on the athleisure category as a whole. I admit, the clothing is some of the softest I've ever worn, which certainly sets itself apart from more traditional activewear brands like Nike or Adidas. Try Vuori's joggers, shorts, and super-soft tees for an outfit that feels like pajamas, but looks respectable enough for the airport lounge.
Loungewear sets
Cuyana
For those who like a uniform, Cuyana's French Terry set, available in colors like camel, sage, and brick red, is a step above a classic sweatsuit without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Pair the tapered lounge pant with a buttery-soft pleat-back sweatshirt or short sleeve sweatshirt.
Cozy Earth
If it's good enough for Oprah, it's got our vote. Cozy Earth's bamboo joggers received the media mogul's official seal of approval in 2020, by way of her Favorite Things list, and after trying them on ourselves, we understand why. The mix of premium viscose from bamboo, acrylic, and Spandex produces a super smooth, cool-to-the-touch fabric that'll make you feel like you're wrapped in your favorite set of sheets. The brand's Stretch-Knit Lounge tee and Ultra-Soft Bamboo hoodie are among other bestsellers.
Lunya
Any physician will tell you that sitting in the same position for long periods of time is bad for you: It limits blood circulation, causes swelling, and increases the risk for blood clots. Movement around the cabin helps keep your blood moving, as does wearing the right garments. Sleepwear brand Lunya has an all-in-one fix with its Restore Travel Kit, which comes with a basic tank, a long-sleeve tee, a pair of leggings, a sleep mask, and socks (former city guides director Corina Quinn is a big fan). The bundle is neatly packaged in a very practical mesh laundry bag, and each item is crafted from a breathable Pima cotton-blend fabric that promises to help increase blood flow and oxygen levels, ultimately improving circulation.
Friend + Folk
Launched in 2022, Friend + Folk is a woman-owned, gender- and size-inclusive line made in downtown Los Angeles at Bomme Studio, a CFDA-approved, ethical and sustainable production house. The pieces are produced in small batches to reduce waste, and are supremely comfortable—the Joon joggers are a personal favorite of mine, but for a more classic sweatpant, try the Harbor style. Other in-flight staples include the long-sleeve Witter T-shirt and Crosby classic hoodie.
Lou & Grey
Lou & Grey, now sold through Loft, has an entire Signaturesoft collection devoted to buttery soft, cozy pieces of clothing. While we love their sweatsuits (especially the fun patterned ones, like this gingham set), there are plenty of other plane-ready pieces if you prefer to look a touch more put together, from wide-leg pants to jumpsuits.
Cashmere and wool basics
Naadam
Spun from the finest goat hair, Naadam’s 100 percent Mongolian cashmere basics are so ridiculously soft, it feels like a luxurious blanket that you can wear out in public—and on transcontinental flights. The built-in perks of cashmere include high breathability, and anti-wrinkle and odor-blocking benefits. The brand's tailored sweaters and hoodies will keep you comfy without looking unkempt.
Ibex
Former Traveler editor Noah Kaufman calls Ibex's clothing “some of the nicest, most comfortable stuff I've ever put on.” Made of Ibex's signature Merino wool fabric, the clothes are built to curb odor, and the fabric is naturally thermoregulating—meaning you can wear pieces year-round—and smooth against skin (no itchiness here). He's been wearing a pair of ultra-soft joggers around the house, and says they'll make a great addition to any long-haul flight uniform.
Elevated basics
Universal Standard
If there's a brand that can get us to wear "real clothes" on a plane, it's Universal Standard. With clothes from size 00 to 40, their mission is to create clothing that looks and feels good on every body, using fabrics like premium Peruvian cotton, soft Italian Merino wool, and French satin-back crepe to do so. The roomy Kate Twill jumpsuit could easily be worn all day long—it's not restrictive in the slightest, and has snap buttons all the way up the front for easy changing. As for the jeans, before you shake your head, know that the brand's styles are stretchy, with a truly relaxed, comfortable fit—look to the ComfortDenim collection for the most plane-friendly pieces. If jeans are a no-go (fair), try the Moro Pocket Ponte pants or Iris linen pull-on pants for a looser waistband.
Everlane
With its penchant for solid colors (and the occasional stripe) and classic silhouettes, Everlane makes tons of mix-and-match travel essentials. The Cashmere Stroopwafel turtleneck and Dream Pant are some of our readers' favorites, but we'd also point to the Seamless leggings, Cozy-Stretch wide-leg sweatpants, and Felted Merino half-zip as great long-haul flight pieces.
Free People
Free People is known for its breezy, bohemian-style clothes, so of course they'd make the kind of pants, coats, and utility suits that are comfortable enough to wear on a plane. The Studio to Street collection and FP Movement collections are filled with layering pieces and roomy pants you can throw on after a workout, though like leggings or yoga pants, they serve many purposes. For overnight flights, we like the Day Tripper set. If you're in need of a versatile jacket you can wear on cold planes and chilly fall evenings alike, the loose-fitting Dolman Quilted Knit remains popular and comes in tons of different colorways.
Plane to office clothing
Aday
Versatile and multidimensional, Aday ensures that every single one of its items has more than one feature—the result of working with engineers to source technologically advanced fabrics that can wick moisture, regulate heat, defy wrinkles, resist ultra-violet rays, and so much more. Simply put, Aday's pieces are exactly what you want to wear on a long flight. There’s the technical silk wrap top that not only does all of the above, but can be worn more than one way. The thin strap tank, also made from technical silk, is the perfect layering piece (plus, it has adjustable straps). And finally, to complete the ideal traveling outfit, there’s the super-stretchy elastic-banded pant, which is both quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant.
Buck Mason
The maker of many a wardrobe staple, including some of our favorite basic tees, California-based brand Buck Mason offers plenty of thermal tees, flannels, and button-ups that make great layering pieces on chilly flights. The Seafarer Collection is worth checking out, too, for cashmere-cotton sweaters and beanies. For a classic but slightly elevated sweats look, Traveler's associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny loves traveling in the brand's cozy sweatpant and crew neck.
Alex Mill
When Alex Mill first launched over a decade ago, the brand's mission was to make the perfect shirt. From there, they've expanded upon the idea of upgrading timeless pieces you can wear again and again. We're here for the PJ-like jumpsuits, including the cashmere one featured below, made to feel like your favorite worn-in sweater, and the short sleeve linen jumpsuit, with its deep front pockets (perfect for stashing a passport into as you navigate through the airport).
Jenni Kayne
Embody the laid-back, California-cool aesthetic with pieces from Jenni Kayne. Her designs are made to last, and often come in soothing neutral tones. You can find comfortable but structured essentials like these merino wool and cashmere-infused culottes and the popular Cocoon sweater, as well as cozy accessories like cashmere socks and oversized blanket shawls.
